"I'm deeply saddened and I've expressed my deepest condolences to (McHale) and his family,'' Carlisle said after Sunday morning's practice at American Airlines Center. "He's going to be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time because of this.''

As players, Carlisle and McHale were teammates with the Boston Celtics from 1984-'87 and won an NBA title together in 1986.